Carrier rod operating mechanism for flat knitting machines



Oct. 22,1935. A. FRIEDMANN 2,018,059

' CARRIER ROD OPERATING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Dec. 28, 1934 s Shets-Sheet 1 I l l as 52 11559 15 &4

INVENTOR.

a k evi viedmann. BY I MR5 ATTORNEY.

A. FRIEDMANN CARRIER ROD OPERATING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Dec. 28, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 M aufjma'sumwx INVENTOR. CH bert Cf'rzedmann Oct. 22, 1935.

A. FRIEDMANN CARRIER ROD OPERATING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES Filed D60. 28, 1934 e Sheets-Shet 5 Qlbevt gvieoimann \is ATTORNEY.

Oct. 22, 1935.- A, FRIEDMANN CARRIER ROD OPERATING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Dec. 28 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Q1 bevi Uriedmann W j I may mass. 2.

MisATTORNEY.

mans- CARRIER ROD OPERATING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES 22, 1935.. A. FRIEDMANN Filed Dec. 28, 1.934 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 1N VENTOR.

Mm 3 3 9; man}.

Qlbeart Eviedmann 'fi vx? g ATTORNEY tzz, 1935, A. FRIEDMANN CARRIER ROD OPERATING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Dec. 28, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 I INVENTOR. (11 be r: ijrledmann X ATTORNEY.

-fica1ly' to the mechanisms for controlling Patented 0a. 22, 1935 g UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE T CARRIER ROD OPERATING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES Albert Friedmann, Wyomissing, Pa., assignor to Louis Hirsch Textile Machines, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December. 28, 1934, Serial No. 759,524

21 Claims.

drawings and described 'in the specification is that suitable for knitting this type of ringless fabric.

As is well known, the rings or stripes which frequently mar the appearance of sheer silk hosiery are caused primarily by lack of uniformity in the thread which, in spite of the greatest care in manufacture, varies in diameter in different parts and also because it has been the practice to knit such hosiery from a single thread. This brings such inequalities into adjacent courses, thereby accentuating them and producing the objectionable variations in thickness of the fabric commonly known as rings. The difficulty has been largely overcome by employing instead of one thread say three separate threads utilized in rotation in successive courses so that the same thread appears only in every third course.

While this method of knitting has substantially eliminated the objectionable rings it has introduced a serious defect at the extreme edge of the fabric. In fact, it is impossible to obtain a good edge for the reason that between the end of one course knit with a thread and the beginning of the next course knit with the same thread there is a loose or floating length of the thread lying across the ends of the two intervening courses. Since this is true of each of the threads, the fabric over its entire length is bordered by three such floating threads. times caught by chance into the intervening courses, but usually hang loosely along the edges of the fabric where they may easily be cut or become entangled with the needles causing breakage and damaging the fabric. They also make neat seaming extremely diflicult.

By the invention of this application although three carriers are used to lay three separate threads in successive courses a ringless fabric is produced in which there are no floating threads. To the contrary, each of. the three threads is knit into each course, one forming the main full width course and the other two being These are someknit into the respective selvages of the same course.

The invention, in addition to providing simple and efficient means for imparting to the-carrier rods the motion required for laying the threads in this manner, also insures that the carrier rods involved are positively positioned against their limiting stops at the end of each stroke and that they are not dragged out of position through interference between the different carriers. This is accomplished without utilizing the latches which 'have been considered necessary to hold the carrier rods against their end stops. Also the burden upon the friction rod is greatly reduced so that less power is required and smoother operation secured.

In addition, the invention permits of the knitting of a triple heel or heel within a heel by means of five carriers instead of the usual minimum of seven, thus freeing two carriers for other uses. In spite of the continual demand for more and more carriers manufacturers of flat knitting machines have been unable to equip their machines with more than eight and, generally, with not more than seven. This invention which, ,in effect, increases the number of carriers by two, is of great practical importance, particularly since it can be applied without diiliculty to old machines having a more limited number of carriers.

A form of this invention suitable for knitting the type of ringless fabric described is shown in the drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a part of a flat knitting machine equipped with this'invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the right end of Fig. 1 viewed from the line 22 in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of a part of the carrier rod driving mechanism shown in Fig. I viewed from the line 3-3 in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the adjustable carrier rod stop mechanism shown in Fig. 1 viewed from the line 4-4 in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of the loop arrangement of the ringless fabric which can be knit by this invention;

. Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a stocking leg blank knit in this manner;

Fig. 7 illustrates diagrammatically the manner izigvhich the courses of the fabric of Fig. 5 are Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the movement of the carrier rods during the laying of these courses;

Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate diagrammatically the positions assumed by the carrier rod operating and controlling devices during the knitting of this fabric; and

Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate diagrammatically the operation of other carrier rod operating and controlling devices.

As an aid to understanding the form of the invention selected for description herein a more detailed explanation of the peculiar type of ringless fabric knit by it and the manner in which the threads are laid will be of value. As already generally stated the outstanding characteristics of this fabric is that it is ringless and possesses neat reinforced selvages formed of the same threads as the full width courses and without floating threads. These selvages may be very narrow so that they disappear in the seam or as much wider as desired.

To produce three thread ringless fabric of this character three thread carriers work simultaneously upon each course, one laying a thread across the entire width of the fabric and the other two laying other threads across the respective selvages. Fig. 7 illustrates diagrammatically the threads as they are laid in six consecutive courses. As shown in diagram A of Fig. 7, when thread 3 is laid from right to left across the full width of the fabric as shown at 3, thread 2 is laid across the right selvage as shown at 2, and thread I across the left selvage as shown at I. When the course is knit a fabric with a reinforced selvage is produced and all three threads are contained therein.

Diagram B of Fig. 7 illustrates the first course described above and also the second course. In this second course the carriers have traveled from left to right. Thread 3 which during the first course was laid across the full width of the fabric is now laid in this second course across the left selvage only (3). Thread 2 is again laid across the right selvage in the direction opposite to that of the first course (2 Thread l is laid across the full width of the fabric (l completing the laying of the three threads for the second course which, when knit, will have the same characteristics as the first course, all three threads being incorporated therein.

The laying of the third course is illustrated in Diagram C of Fig. '7. In this the threads are laid from right to left, thread 3 being laid back across the left selvage again (3), thread 2 across the full width of the fabric (2) and thread I across the right selvage (I) For the next course (Diagram D of Fig. 7) thread 3 is laid across the full width of the fabric for the second time (3 but from left to right, thread 2 is laid across the left selvage from left to right (2 and thread I is laid back across the right selvage also from left to right I This method is continued as shown in Diagrams E, F and G of Fig. 7, each thread being laid across the full width of the fabric in every third course and across one selvage or the other in each of the two intervening courses. The new course in each of these diagrams is indicated as in the earlier diagram by the numeral I, 2 and 3 followed by letters corresponding to the identifying letter of the diagram. Each course contains all three threads and there are no loose or floating threads at the edges or elsewhere, although each thread in the main body portion of the fabric between the reinforced selvages is separated by two other threads to carry out the ringless structure.

The fabric may be narrowed as desired without interfering with this method of knitting the usual narrowing attachment being employed. The ex- 5 pression full width of the fabric as used herein refers, of course, to the fabric from one edge to the other, irrespective of whether it is of its greatest width or less as the result of narrowing.

The structure of the fabric produced in this 10 way is diagrammatically shown in Fig. 5 which shows one selvage and a fragment of the body and how the courses numbered A-F, corresponding with the similarly numbered diagrams of Fig.

7, are incorporated. Only two threads appear 15 in the selvage of Fig. 5, the other thread being found, of course, in the other selvage which is not shown but which has the same loop arrangement. The completely and symmetrically looped, reinforced edges of the selvages without floating 20 threads is clearly shown.

The movements of the carrier rods required to carry out the above described thread laying operations are diagrammatically illustrated in Fig.

8. In Diagram AA of this figure the three rods 25 I, 2 and 3 are shown in their positions for the beginning of the first thread laying operation already described and shown in Diagram A of Fig. 7. Each of the following diagrams of Fig. 8 are lettered to correspond with the equivalently lettered diagram of Fig. 7. The vertical lines 6 and 1 represent the usual end stops carried by the narrowing heads.

In Diagram AA of Fig. 8 carrior rod I is positioned so that its carrier is over the inner edge 35 of the left selvage and rods 2 and 3 rest against,

their right end stops 1. To lay the course represented by Diagram A of Fig. '7 all of the rods move to the left rod I laying thread i across the left selvage, rod l laying thread 2 across the right sel- 40 vage, and rod 3 laying thread 3 across the full width of the fabric. At the end of this operation the carrier rods assume the positions shown in Diagram A of Fig. 8.

To lay the following course represented by Dia- 45 gram B of Fig. 7 the carrier rods move to the right, as shown in Diagram B of Fig. 8, rod I laying thread I across the full width of the fabric and rods 2 and 3 laying threads 2 and 3 respectively, across the respective right and left selvages. In 50 the following course (Diagram C of Figure 7) the rods all move back to the left again, rod l transporting its carrier and laying thread I across the right selvage, rod 2 laying thread 2 across the full width of the fabric, and rod 3 laying thread 55 3 back again across the left selvage, as shown in Diagram C of Fig. 8.

In laying the next course (Diagram D of Fig. 7) the rods move as shown in Diagram D of Fig. 8, rod l moving back to its end stop 1 to lay thread 60 back across the right selvage, rod 2 traversing the width of the left selvage to lay thread 2 across that selvage, and rod 3 making its second complete traverse to lay yarn 3 for its second full width course. 65

The succeeding carrier rod movements will be understood readily from Diagrams E, F and G of Fig. 8 in conjunction with the corresponding thread laying diagrams of Fig. 7. It will be noted that each carrier rod performs a three course cycle, laying a thread the full width of the fabric in one course, across a selvage in the next course and again across the same selvage in the third course after which it again lays a full width course in the opposite direction followed by two heads 8 and 9.

courses in the opposite selvage but otherwise similar to those described above. It will also be noted that the above cycle for each rod begins one course after that of another rod so that each rod is in continuous operation and the capacity of the machine is not reduced by the relatively complex character of the knitting as compared with plain fabric. It will also be noted that at the end of each course two carrier rods rest against end stop 6 or 1, whereas the third rod has stopped with its carrier over the inner edge of a selvage and, therefore, is not in contact with either end stop.

To operate the carrier rods in the manner described is the primary object of this invention. A form of mechanism for this purpose is shown in Figs. 1-4 and 9-12, and a modified form in Figs. 13 and 14.

The knitting machine, as a whole, may be of the standard flat type. In Fig. 1 all carrier rods are omitted for the sake of clarity, except the three rods I, 2 and 3' required for knitting the fabric. Corresponding end stops are diagrammatically indicated at 6 and 1 on the usual narrowing The standard reciprocable friction rod I2 is also utilized upon which is mounted a friction box I3 provided with the usual frictional devices. Upon friction box I2 are pivotally mounted fingers I4, I5 and I6, the respective lengths of which are such that their ends overlie carrier rods I 2' and 3' respectively. All three fingers are mounted on a common shaft I1 in such a way'that they may be individually rocked in a vertical plane.

These fingers also extend rearwardly from their pivots as arms I8, I9 and 20 which terminate substantially beneath cross bar 2| of frame 22, which is also mounted upon or is an integral part of friction box I3. The sides of frame 22 are extended downwardly to form supports for a hearing 23 slidably surrounding a shaft 23 so that frame 22, although it can slide longitudinally, is rigidly braced against other movement insuring that the various parts of the device will be maintained in correct position with respect to the carrier rods. Each of the arms I8, I9 and 20 is connected to cross bar 2| of frame 22 by means of a spring 25. Thus, normally, the fingers will be maintained in down position with their ends slightly above their respective rods.

Rocking of fingers I4, I 5 and I6 is automatically effected by cams 26, 21 and 29 respectively, mounted on a changing shaft 29 which is rotatably mounted in suitable bearings so that it overlies the rear end of arms I8, I9 and 29. Each of the cams 26, 21 and 28 is slidably mounted upon changing shaft 29, the hub of each being provided with one or more splines 30 which engage with corresponding spline slots 3| in changing-shaft 29. Thus although cams 26, 21 and 28 are slid-- able upon changing shaft 29 any rotation of shaft 29 will impart a corresponding rotation to the cams.

Cams 26, 21 and 28 are mounted in proper position with respect to each other and to the arms I8, I9 and '20 by any suitable means and engage with those arms through the medium of a roller 32 on each arm. Thus when friction box I3 is reciprocated by friction rod I2 not only the fingers I4, I5 and I6 and arms I8, I9 and 29 but also rollers 32 and cams 26, 21 and 28 will reciprocate as a unit, the cams sliding along shaft 24 and maintaining their operative alignment with the arms. Each of cams 26, 21 and 29 is so shaped and its working surface so distributed about the shaft that the finger which it controls will be maintained in its raised and lowered positions at appropriate times during the knitting operation by suitable rotation of shaft 29.

Shaft 29 may be rotated by any suitable mechanism which will impart proper timing to the 5 through roller 38. Lever 31 in turn rotates shaft 29 in a step by step manner through a pawl 39 and 10 ratchet wheel 49. This form of drive is well known to those skilled in the art and can be designed by them to impart the required rotation to shaft 29 to harmonize its action with the knitting cycle. 15 The purpose of fingers I4, I5 and I6 and the associated mechanism described is to propel, in accordance with the requirements of the knitting, the two carrier rods whose-thread laying strokes terminate at an end stop. The third rod is pro- 20 pelled by other means to be described although also under control of one of fingers I4, I5 or I6. The driving connection between thesefingers and the carrier rods may consist of drive blocks 4 I, 42 and 43 mounted upon rods I, 2 and 3 respec- 25 tively, and so positioned upon the rods as to be engageable with fingers I4, I5 or I6 respectively throughout a carrier rod stroke. Each drive block may consist of a metallic block attached to and projecting above its carrier rod and pro- 30 vided with sloping surfaces 44 and 45 leading up to a centrally positioned rectangular depression 46 of suitable size to receive the end of a finger (see Fig. 9 for example). It will be apparent that whatever during the reciprocation of the friction 35 rod one'of the fingers I4, I5 or I6 is engaged in the recess 46 of its corresponding drive block, a carrier rod will be reciprocated, provided it is not otherwise restrained.

Additional means for reciprocating the carrier 40 rods is also provided. These are shown in Fig. l and one of them in Fig. 2. It consists of two rods and 8 I mounted in suitable brackets 82 and 83 on the left narrowing head and paralleling the carrier rods. Extending between rods 89 and 8i 45 and adjustably attached to them is a yoke 84. Another similar yoke also extends between rods 89 and 8I but is slidably mounted upon them between yoke 84 and the outer end of the narrowing head. Between yokes 84 and 85 is an expansion 50 spring 86 which urges yoke 85 towards yoke 84. Upon yoke 85 is mounted a drive plate 81 with its face lying above and across the carrier rods and slidable vertically so that it may be engaged with and disengaged from stops 88, 89 and 90 on 55 carrier rods I 2 and 3 respectively. The object of plate 81 is to drive the carrier rod which is to lay a thread inwardly across the left selvage; rod 3 of Diagram B, Fig. 8, for example. Consequently yoke 84 will be positioned upon rods 90 60 and 8| so as to maintain plate 81 in engagement with stops 98, 89 or 90, as the case may be, upon the carrier rod in question and under sumcient tension, through spring 86 acting through sliding yoke 85, to cause plate 81 to reciprocate the rod at the required speed inwardly across the selvage and to hold it securely in position at the termination of this movement.

A- similar arrangement of yokes, plate and spring is positioned upon the right narrowing mechanism but designed to operate in the opposite direction. It is identified in Figs. 1 and 2 by rods 9| and 92, fixed yoke 93, sliding yoke 94, spring and drive plate 91. The corresponding stops 7 on rods I 2 and 3' respectively are shown at 98, 99 and 00.

The description thus far has included two separate means for driving the three carrier rods, one the fingers I4, 15 and I6 for driving the rods in any stroke which is to terminate at an end stop and the other plates 81 and 91 and its associated yokes and springs for driving any of the rods inwardly across a selvage.

In the upper leg portion of the stocking as at IOI in Fig. 6 the reinforced selvage will ordinarily be, say, two needles in width so that it will disappear in the seam. Therefore, the inward travel of the carrier rods working upon the selvages must be limited to the required distance.

When the portion which includes the heel splice is knit, the knitting is continued without change with the exception that the selvage is widened to the equivalent of say sixteen needles to form the splice, as indicated at I02 in Fig. 6. For this purpose the inward travel of the carrier rods working upon the selvage must be increased.

Therefore, the means described fordriving the carrier rods inwardly across the selvage must have a range of movement at least as great as, and preferably somewhat greater than, the maximum movement of the carrier rods. Specifically the space between yokes 93 and 94 (Fig. 2) and between yokes 84 and 85 must be greater than the greatest distance traversed by the carrier rods working upon the selvages.

The means shown in the drawings for limiting the travel of these carrier rods to the required distances consists of two sets of three latch stops, each mounted upon individual, vertically swingable levers. One set is carried by each narrowing head and one latch stop of each set controls the inward travel of a carrier rod across a salvage, as will be explained. The set of levers upon the left narrowing head are shown at 41, 48 and 49 in Fig. 1, hinged upon a shaft 50. The set of levers upon the right narrowing head is shown at 5|, 52 and 53 in Fig. 1 hinged upon a shaft 54. They are also shown in greater detail in Fig. 2. Since the other set of levers 41, 48 and 49 is identical with the exception that they face in the opposite directions, as will be evident from Figs. 1, 9, 10, 11 and 12, the detailed showing of oneset in Fig. 2, as clarified by Figs. 9-12, will sumce for both. Each of the levers is urged downwardly by a spring 61.

Levers 41, 48 and 49 are provided respectively with latch stops 55, 55 and 51. Levers 5|, 52 and 53 respectively, are provided with similar latchstops 58,. 59 and 50, the three stops of each set lying directly above the path of travel of carrier rods I 2 and 3' in the order named. Each stop is provided with two. stop faces, facing towards the respective ends of the machine. These faces are numbered as follows- Stop 55 Faces 55 and 55 Stop 56 Faces 56 and 5|;

Stop 51 Faces 51' and 51 Stop 58 Faces 56' and 56 Stop 59 Faces 59'- and 59 Stop 60'Faces 60 and 60 Each lever is also provided at its free end with a downwardly depending shoe, those for levers 41, 48 and 49 being shown at 6|, 62 and 63 in Figs. 9-12, and those for levers 5|, 52 and 53 at 64, and 66 and also in Fig. 2. Shoes 6| and 64 overlie the path of carrier rod 3', shoes 62 and 65 overlie the path of carrier rod I and shoes 63 and 66-overlie the path of carrier rod 2', all as shown in dotted lines in Figs. 9-12, the respective levers being suitably formed to make this possible as best shown in Fig. 1.

To cooperate with these stops and shoes each carrier rod is equipped with two opposed but otherwise identical combination shoe lifter and 5 stop blocks positioned adjacent the ends of the carrier rods so as to be engageable with the stops. The combination blocks for carrier rod I are shown at 68 and H, those for carrier rod 2 at 69 and 12, and those for carrierrod 3' at 10 and 13 10 (see Figs. 1, 9-12). Each block is provided with an-inclined surface 14 and a depression 15 to receive the latch stop on the corresponding lever, the face 15 of the depression being adapted to engage with the stop faces of the latch stop, and a 15 shoe lifter 16 The stop faces 55 -60 on stops 55-60 are so positioned with respect to to the stop face 18 of the corresponding combination stop blocks 68-43 on the carrier rod that when a rod is resting against its end stop there will 20 be a space between the stop faces equal to the distance the carrier rod must travel to lay the thread inwardly across a selvage, such as IOI in Fig. 6, say a two needle selvage. Stop faces EF -60 on the latch stops are so positioned 25 that under similar conditions the space between them and the stop faces 16 of the carrier rod stop blocks is equal to the width of the wide salvage or high heel splice I02 (Fig. 6), say sixteen needles. 30

Means for swinging levers 41-49 and 5I-53 to bring stop faces 55 -60 or stop faces 5I '60 into engageable position with the carrier rod stop blocks or to prevent such engagement is provided by a transverse cam 11 having low, medium and high lifts I02, I03 and I 04 respectively. When low lift I 02 is engaged with the levers they assume their lowermost position and stop faces ES -60 are then engageable with the carrier rod stop blocks. When intermediate lift I03 engages the levers they are lifted sufllciently to cause stop faces 55' 60 to clear the carrier rod stop blocks and to permit stop faces 55 60 to assume engaging position. When the high lift I04 engages with the levers they are lifted sumciently to cause all of the stop faces-to clear the carrier rod stop blocks. To rotate cam 11 as directed a manually operable handle I05 is provided.

The operation of the device will be best under- 50 stood from Figs. 9-12. In Fig. 9 the carrier rods are in the same position as in Diagram AA of Fig. 8. That is to say, they are ready to move to the left as shown in Diagram A of Fig. 8.to lay the three threads of the first course as illus- 55 trated by Diagram A of Fig. '7. As already described, rod 3 which rests against its right end stop 1 will traverse the full width of the fabric.

It will be driven by the friction rod I2 through finger I6 which has been permitted to enter v depression 46 in drive block 43 on carrier rod 0* by cam 26 on shaft 29. Drive plate 91 is in its extreme position to the right, as shown in full line, pressing against carrier rod stop I00. Latch 65 stop 60 is lifted out of engageable position with carrier rod stop block 13 on carrier rod 3 because shoe 66 rides upon shoe lifter 16* on carrier rod 2 which is also against right end stop 1. Therefore, carrier rod 3r, is free to move to 70 the left over the full width of the fabric under the guidance of finger I6.

Carrier rod 2 is also ready to move inwardly to the left across the right selvage. It is driven by drive plate 91 which presses against carrier aoiaose rod stop 88 as shown in full line. However, latch stop 58 rests in the depression I of carrier rod stop I2 with its stop face 58'' in position to engage stop face I8 of the carrier rod stop 12 because with rod I in the position shown on the inner edge of the left selvage shoe 65 cannot engage with its shoe lifter l6 on stop block II on carrier rod I Therefore, when carrier rod 2 moves it will be arrested by the carrier rod stop block 58 when its carrier reaches the inner edge of the right selvage. Carrier rod 2' cannot move until carrier rod 3 starts because as already stated drive plate 81 is restrained by a stop I00 on carrier rod 3* with which drive finger I8 is engaged. Finger I5 has been lifted by cam 21 out of engagement with drive block 42 on carrier rod 2 so that it has no operative effect upon that rod.

Carrier rod I, rests above the inner edge of the left selvage, being maintained there by stop 55 whose face 5.": engages with face 16 on carrier rod stop block 68 to resist the inward pressure of drive plate 81 acting against carrier rod rod 3 will be driven along with it across the the carrier rod stop 68 of carrier rod I.

stop 88. Carrier rod I' is free to move, however, to the left across the left selvage whenever a driving force is applied since its stop block II is disengaged from latch stop 58. Drive finger I4 has been rocked up by cam 26 so that it is out of engaging position with drive block 4i on carrier rod I When the friction rod moves to the left carrier full width of the fabric, as shown in Fig. 10. Carrier rod 2 will be driven by drive plate 8! inwardly across the right selvage when it will be arrested by latch stop 58 as already explained. Carrier rod I remains motionless until finger I4, which at some point in the earlier part of the stroke has been allowed to drop into operating position by cam 26, strikes drive block 4!, rides up sloping surface 45, snaps into recess 46 and then propels rod I outwardly across the left selvage until arrested by end stop 6.

The first course (Diagram A of Fig. 7) is now completed and the carrier rods are in the position shown in Fig. 10. The arrival of rod 3 at its end stop 6 has raised shoe SI of latch stop lever 41 so that latch stop 55 is inoperative upon Drive plate 81 has been moved to the left by stop 88 and is prevented from reacting under the urge of spring 86 by drive finger I4 which remains engaged with drive block 4i. Carrier rod I is, therefore, in condition to make a full traverse to the right to lay the next full course, as shown by Diagram B of Fig. 7.

Carrier rod 2' is ready to be driven to the right outwardly across the right selvage when a driv- I ing force is applied thereto through drive finger I5. Carrier rod 3 will operate inwardly across the left selvage under the drive of drive plate 86 acting upon stop 80 when the restraining effect of stop 88 on carrier rod I is removed.

When the friction rod reciprocation occurs carrier rod I will be propelled by drive finger I4 over the full width of the fabric. This will remove stop 88 from contact with drive plate 81 permitting drive plate 81 to propel carrier rod' 3 inwardly over the left selvage until arrested by the engagement of stop face 5'|*= on latch stop 51 with face 16 on carn'er rod-stop I0. This latch stop is operative since its shoe 63 is not engaged by shoe lifter 16 on carrier rod 2'.

While carrier rod I is in movement drive finger I5 is permitted to drop by cam 21 and will ultimately strike drive block 42 on carrier rod 2', snap into recess 48 and then propel rod 2 across the right selvage until end stop I is contacted. The carrier rod movements for the second course (Diagram B Fig. 7) have now been completed. the carrier rods being in the positions shown in Fig. 11.

For the following course (Diagram C of Fig. 7) the mechanism operates as follows: Rod 2 will lay the full width course. being driven by drive finger I5. Latch stop 58 was disengaged from stop-block I2 on this carrier rod by the lifting of, its shoe 65 by shoe lifter li on carrier rod I at the termination of the last stroke so that rod 2' is free to move over the full-course. When carrier rod 2' starts across'the full coursespring 85 will cause drive plate 81 to follow the receding stop 88. Drive plate 81 being also in engagement with carrier rod stop 88 on carrier rod I it will drive that rod inwardly across the next selvage until arrested by engagement of stop face 58 of latch stop 58 with face 18 of carrier rod stop II. During the movement of carrier rod 2 finger I 8 has been permitted to drop so as to be en gageable with drive block 48 on carrier rod 8' when itpasses across it to drive this rod outwardlly across the left selvage. as already indicate The rods are now in the positions shown in Fig. 12. Each of them in succession has laid a full width course and has operated upon a selvage in each of the other courses. At the end of each stroke the rod which is to make the next full width course is engaged with a drive finger I4, I5 or I6 and, consequently, held securely against its end stop; the rod which is to traverse a selvage inwardly. has also been under the control of a finger l4, IB-or I8 until after the end of its previous stroke and, consequently, is also definitely positioned against its end stop. The rod which is to move outwardly across the other selvage is positively positioned with its carrier above the inner edge of the selvage by the latch stop and drive plate which act in opposition to each other. Therefore there is complete assurance that the rods will be correctly positioned at the beginning of each stroke.

Throughout the greater part of each stroke the friction rod is required to move only a single rod-that making the full traverse-so that the greater part of the driving effort usually required is eliminated. One rod is driven by an entirely separate drive, typified by drive plate 81 or 81 which also assists the friction rod in starting the rod making the full traverse, thus reducing the strain upon the friction rod and friction still more. The latch stops which arrest the inward movement of the salvage carrier rods are operated by the rods themselves, the rod just ending a full traverse raising the latch stop of the rod required for the following full width traverse without affecting the others. Therefore, the correct peformance of this operation is absolutely certain and imposes no appreciable additional burden upon the machine. In spite of the lengthy description required for full understanding, the invention is extremely simple and may be applied without difiiculty to existing knitting machines.

To knit the high heel portions I02 (Fig. 6) cam 11 is rotated to engage intermediate lift I03 with levers 41-48 and 5I'53 so that latch stop faces 55"60 (instead of 55 00) will become engageable with carrier rod stops 68-13 respectively. This permits the inward travel of the carrier rods across the selvages to increase to the required amount (assumed to be the equivalent of sixteen needles). Otherwise the adjustment and operation-of the mechanism continue unaltered.

An alternate or supplementary form of the mechanism is included in Fig. 1 and is also shown in Figs. 4, 13 and 14. Although this modification is quite capable of doing everything that can be done by the form already described, and certain additional things, both forms may be employed together to advantage;

A limitation inherent in the device heretofore described is that it is incapable of making a selvage reinforcement the inner edge of which is not parallel, to the outer edge. This necessarily results from the mounting of the latch stops upon the narrowing heads so that any variations in selvage width other than provided for by multiple latch stop faces such as 99-90 and 99"-90 can be obtained only by a similar variation at the outer edge of the fabric.

Other variations in the selvages and, particularly, in the high heel, are sometimes desired. For example, an attractive type of high heel is shown at I09 in Fig. 6, in which the heel splice is progressively widened the inner edge appearing as a graceful curve. To provide for such knitting a different means of controlling the selvage carrier rods is dequired so that the inward travel of these rods can be progressively increased .without affecting the outer edge.

The only modification required is the transfer of the latch stops and supporting levers from the narrowing heads to supports which can be moved inwardly and outwardly as much and whenever desired, independently of the end stops on the narrowing heads, and providing on each carrier rod a pair of stop blocks to cooperate with the latch stops in arresting the inward travel of selvage carriers in the-manner already described. Since this drive, when it is in operation, performs all of the required functions latch stops 99-90 are rendered inoperative by engaging the high lift of cam 11 with levers 41-49 and 9I-99.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 4 this alternative or supplementary device consists of a spindle I04 having oppositely threaded halves rotatably mounted in suitable brackets, such as brackets I09 attached toshaft 24 and also engaging with shaft 29 so that the spindle is rigidly held in correct position. Upon the threaded halves of spindle I04- are internally threaded nuts I09 and I01 from which arms I09 and I09 respectively extend across the carrier rods. Nuts I09 and I01 are prevented from turning about spindle I04 by extensions I09 and I01 which terminate in bearings I09 and I01 slidable upon shaft 24. Therefore, arms I09 and I09 are also securely held against rotation about spindle I04 but can move with nuts I09 and I01.

Means for rotating spindle I04 so that nuts 106 and I01 and arms I09 and I09 may be moved away from each other is provided by the ratchet wheel 0, pawl III, rock lever IIZ, cam roller I 13 and operating cam II4 on main cam shaft 39. Roller H3 is slidabie upon its shaft I I9 into and out of engagement with cam II4 so that spindle 504' will be rotated only when desired. Control of roller I I3 may be effected through the usual linkage to a pattery chain which is too well known to require showing or explanation and hence is merely indicated at II6.

A similar means may be utilized to move nuts I09 and I01 toward each other but in order to simplify the drawings the means for this purpose is shown as a hand wheel II1. This wheel may also be used to move the nuts outwardly whenever desired.

Arms I09 and I99 act as supports for two sets 5 of hinged latch stop bearing levers identical in all material respects with levers 41-49 and 9 I-99 described. Levers I41-I49 correspond to levers 41-49 and levers I9I-I99 correspond to levers 9I-99, both in essential structure and function. 10 Levers I41-I49 are provided with latch stops I99-I91 respectively, overlying carrier rods I 9' and 9 respectively, and levers I9I-I99 are provided withlatch stops I99-I99respectively, overlying carrier rods I, 2' and 9' respec- 1s tively. Levers I41 and I9I are also provided with shoes I 9I and I94 respectively, overlying carrier rod 9'. Levers I49 and I9! are provided with shoes I99 and I99 respectively, overlying carrier rod I', and levers I49 and I99 so are provided with shoes I99 and I99 respectively, overlying carrier rod 9'.

' Carrier rods I, 2' and 9' are each provided with a pair of combination shoe lifter and stop blocks engageable with the stops and shoe lifters, 29

those on rod I being shown at I99 and "I, those on rod 2' at I99 and I92, and those on rod 9' at I10 and I19. Each stop has a notch I19 with which the related latch stop can engage and a shoe lifter I19.

It will be noted that the levers, latch stops, shoes and carrier rod stop blocks and shoe lifters are essentially identical with those already de-' scribed in connection with the first form of the device. The only diflerence of importance isin the mounting of the levers upon movable nuts I09 and I01 instead of the narrowing heads. This diiference in mounting permits of adjustmentof the latch stops longitudinally of the carrier rods independently of the end stops upon the narrow- 40 ing heads so that the distance traveled by the carrier rods inwardly across the selvages may be independently varied, as desired over a relatively wide range. A transverse rotatable cam is also provided for each set of levers so that they may 45 be swung up out of operating position when not in use. These cams are shown at I11 and I19. They may be operated manually by handle I19.

Since latch stops I99-I99 cooperate with carrier rod stops I99-I19 to perform exactly the 50 same functions in the same way as latch stops 99-90 and carrier rod stops 99-19 which have been fully explained, no extended description of their mode of operation is required here. Fig. 5 13 shows these parts in the positions assumed when the rods are in readinessto lay the first course, as shown in diagram A-A of Fig. 8. It is, therefore, directly comparable with Fig. 9 and it will be noted that the equivalent levers, latch stops, carrier rod stops, etc. are in exactly the same relative positions. That is to say, rod 9 is free to make as full traverse to the left because latch stop I90 (the equivalent of latch stop 90) is disengaged from carrier rod stop I 19 (the equivalent of stop 19) and finger I9 is engaged with drive block 49. Carrier rod 2 will be driven inwardly across the right selvage by drive plate 91 acting against stop 99 and carrier rod I will be driven across the left selvage by finger I4 7 which engageswith drive block 4| at the proper time as already fully described. Meanwhile, carrier rod I is securely held with its carrier over the inner edge of the left selvage by latch stop I99 which engages with notch I19 on stop I69 and 1s drive plate 81 which engages with stop 88 on the carrier rod.

Fig. 14 which illustrates the positions of that parts under discussion at the end of this first traverse is directly comparable with Fig. and will demonstrate that the equivalent levers, latch stops, etc., have functioned in exactly the same way. In short, the mechanisms carried by nuts a heel, shown at I03? in Fig. 6, may be performed by this invention in so far as the mainfabric layer and one layer of reinforcement is concerned by following the method already described. The additional reinforcement may be added by utilizing two additional carrier rods operated by ordinary frictions, each carrier moving back and forth across one selvage in the well known manner. For this purpose only five carrier rods are required, it will be noted, instead of the usual seven, so that two carrier rods are freed for other uses-a very important consideration as already stated.

The heel tabs may be knit by the usual methods, there being no advantage in having the ringless type of fabric in these .parts. The ringless fabric should, however, be continued into the foot since the instep and upper foot portion of the stocking are very conspicuous. If a single unit machine is employed the three carrier rods and controlling drives heretofore described are adequate for the performance of this work, the travel of the carrier rods working upon the selvages being lengthened sufiiciently to lay the threads for the sole reinforcement. The arrangement which includes the spindle Hi l is best adapted for the purpose because of the wide range of movement which it provides for the latch stops which determine the inward limits of travel of the rein.- forcement carrier rods. If a footer is employed it also should, of course, be similarly equipped with the invention.

I claim:

1. In a flat knitting machine having a multiplicity of carrier rods and means for reciprocating them; means equal in number to said carrier rods, each of which is adapted to arrest the inward traverse of a different carrier rod at a point intermediate its full traverse without affecting the traverse of the other carrier rods, and means on each carrier rod for rendering inoperative the said arresting means for another carrier rod when each carrier rod approaches an end stop.

2. In a flat knitting machine having a multiplicity of carrier rods and means for reciprocating them; means equal in number to said carrier rods, each of which is adapted to arrest the inward traverse of a different carrier rod at a point intermediate its full traverse without affecting the traverse of the other carrier rods, and means on each carrier rod for rendering inoperative the said arresting means for another carrier rod, when each carrier rod approaches an end stop, all of said arresting means being carried by a narrowing head.

3. In a fiat knitting machine having a multiplicity of carrier rods and means for reciprocating tion rod, means for driving a third rod inwardly them; means equal in number to said carrier rods, each of which is adapted to. arrest the inward traverse of a different carrier rod at a point intermediate its full traverse without affecting the traverse of the other carrier rods, means on each 5 carrier rod for rendering inoperative the said arresting means for another carrier rod when each carrier rod approaches an end stop, all of said arresting means being mounted upon a nut engaged with a threaded, rotatable spindle, and 1 means for rotating said spindle to alter the longitudinal position of said arresting means with respect to the carrier rods.

4. In a flat knitting machine provided with a 'reciprocable friction rod and at least three carrier 15 rods; a friction device upon said friction rod engageable with two of said three carrierjrods to drive said two rods during a traverse of the friction rod, means for driving the third carrier rod during the same traverse of the friction rod, means 20 other than the friction rod for propelling said driving means for said third rod during said traverse of said friction rod, and means for arresting traverse of said friction rod, and means for ar- 35 resting the traverse of the third rod only, at a point intermediate its full traverse, all of said Zrresting means being carried by a narrowing 6. In a flat knitting machine provided with a reciprocable friction rod and at least three carr1er rods; a friction device upon said friction rod engageable with two of said three carrier rods to drive said two rods during a traverse of the friction rod, means for driving the third carrier rod 45 during the same traverse of the friction rod, means other than the friction rod for propelling said driving means for said third rod during said traverse of said friction rod, means for arresting the traverse of the third rod only, at a point in- 50 termediate its full traverse, all of said arresting means being mounted upon a nut engaged with athreaded rotatable sprindle, and means for rotating said spindle to alter the longltudinal position of said arresting means with respect to the carrier rods.

7. In a flat knitting machine provided with reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a carrier rod control mechanism comprising a friction drive on said friction rod for driving one carrier rod across the full width of the fabric and for driving another carrierrod outwardly across a selvage during a traverse of the fricacross the other selvage, and means other than the friction rod for propelling said third rod driving means during said traverse.

8. In a flat knitting machine provided with reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a car- 70 rier rod control mechanism comprising a friction device on said friction rod for driving one carrier rod across the full width of the fabric and for driving another carrier rod outwardly across a selvage during a traverse of the friction rod, 7

means for driving a thirdrod inwardly across the other selvage during said traverse of said friction rod, means other than the friction rod for propelling said third rod driving means during said traverse, and means carried by a narrowing head for arresting the traverse of the third rod at the inner edge of the selvage.

9. In a flat knitting machine provided with reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a carrier rod control mechanism comprising a friction device on said friction rod for driving one carrier rod across the full width of the fabric and for driving another carrier rod outwardly across a selvage during a traverse of the friction rod, means for driving a third rod inwardly across the other selvage during the same traverse of said friction rod, means other than said friction rod for propelling said third rod driving means during said traverse, and means for arresting the traverse of the third rod at the inner edge of the selvage, said arresting means being mounted upona nut engaged with a threaded rotatable spindle, and means for rotating said spindle to alter the longitudinal position of said arresting means with respect to the carrier rods.

10. In a flat knitting machine provided with reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a car-x rier rod control mechanism comprising a friction device on the friction rod for driving one carrier rod across the full. width of the fabric and s for driving another carrier rod outwardly across a selvage during a traverse of said friction rod, means for driving a third rod inwardly across the other selvage during the same traverse of the friction rod, said last mentioned means consisting of a drive plate engageable with said third rod and slidable longitudinally of the carrier rod. and meansother than the friction rod for moving said plate inwardly to drive the carrier rod during said traverse of said friction rod.

11. In a flat knitting machine provided with reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a carrier rod control mechanism comprising a friction device on said friction rod for driving one carrier rod across the full width of the fabric and for driving another carrier rod outwardly across a selvage during a traverse of said friction rod,

means for driving a third rod inwardly across the other selvage during the same traverse of the friction rod, said last mentioned means consisting of a drive plate engageable with said third rod and slidable longitudinally of the carrier rod, means other than the friction rod for moving said plate inwardly to drive the carrier rod, and means for arresting the traverse of said third rod at the inner edge of the selvage.

12. In a flat knitting machine. provided with reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a carrier rod control mechanism comprising a friction device on said friction rod for driving one carrier rod across the full ,width of the fabric and for driving another carrier rod outwardly across a selvage during a traverse of said friction rod, means for driving a third rod inwardly across the other selvage during said traverse of said friction rod, said last mentioned means consisting of a drive plate engageable with said third rod and slidable longitudinally of the carrier'rod, means for moving said plate inwardly to drive the carrier rod, and means for arresting the traverse of said third red at the inner edge of the selvage, said arresting means being carried by a narrowing head.

13. In a flat knitting machine provided with reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a

carrier rod control mechanism comprising a friction device on said friction rod for driving one carrier rod across the full width of the fabric and for driving another carrier rbd outwardly across a selvage during a traverse of said friction rod, means for driving a third rod inwardly across the other selvage, said last mentioned means con-. sisting of a drive plate engageable with said third rod and slidable longitudinally of the carrier rod, means other than said friction rod for moving said plate inwardly to drive the carrier rod, means for arresting the traverse of said third rod at the inner edge of the selvage, said arresting means being mounted upon a nut engaged with a threaded rotatable spindle, and means for rotating said spindle to alter the longitudinal position of said arresting means with respect to the carrier rod.

14. In a flat knitting machine provided with a reciprocable friction rod and carrier rod, a carrier rod control mechanism consisting of a frictiondevice frictionally engaged with said friction rod and provided with means for independently connecting it to each of said carrier rods for driving the same, means equal in number to said carrier rods each of which is adapted to arrest the movement of a different carrier rod at a point intermediate its full traverse, the operation of each of said arresting means being controlled by means on a carrier rod other than the one which it is adapted to arrest, each of said arresting means comprising a pivoted lever provided with a stop engageable with a stop on its respective carrier rod at the end of the partial stroke of said carrier rod and also provided with means engageable with other means on another carrier rod adapted to said lever sufilciently to release its stop from the stop on its respective carrier rod whenever both carrier rods approach the same end stop. 40

15. In a flat knitting machine provided with a reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a carrier rod control mechanism comprising a friction device on said friction rod for driving two carrier rods during each traverse of the friction rod, other means for driving a third rod in the same direction during the same traverse of the friction rod, and means other than the friction rod for propelling said third rod driving means during said traverse of said friction rod.

16. In a flat knitting machine provided with a reciprocable friction rod and carrier rods; a carrier rod control mechanism comprising means longitudinally reciprocable of the machine for driving two carrier rods during a traverse of said friction rod, other means for driving a third rod simultaneously with one of said two rods, means for propelling said third rod driving means only, during said traverse'of said friction rod the return movement of said propelling means being effected by said friction rod during its return traverse.

17. A flat knitting machine according to claim 5 characterized in that the driving means for the third rod is also mounted upon a narrowing head.

18. A flat knitting machine according to claim 5 characterized in that the driving means for said third rod and the propelling means for said third rod driving means are mounted upon a narrowing head.

19. A flat knitting machine according to claim 5 characterized in that the driving means for the third carrier rod is mounted upon the same narrowing head as the arresting means.

20. In a flat knitting machine provided with a reciprocable friction rod and at least three carrier rods; a friction device upon said friction rod engageable with two of said three carrier rods to drive said "two rods during a traverse of the friction rod, means for driving the third carrier rod during the same traverse of the friction rod, means other than the friction rod for propelling said driving means for said third rod during said traverse of said friction rod, means for arresting the traverse of the third rod only, at a point intermediate its full traverse, said third rod driving means being carried by means which is longitudinally adjustable with and to the same ex tent as said arresting means.

21. In a flat knitting machine provided with at least three carrier rods; a friction device means for arresting the traverse of the third rod 10 only, at a point intermediate its full traverse. ALBERT FRIEDMANN.

DISCLAIMER 2,018,059.Albert Friedma'rm, Wyomissing, Pa; CARRIER Ron OPERATING MECHA- NISM FoR' FLAT KNITTING MACHINES. Patent dated October 22, 1935.

Disclaimer filed August 25, 1937, by the assignee, Louis Hirsch T ext'ile Machines, Inc.

Hereb enters this disclaimer to claim 1 of said patent.

[ cial Gazette September 21, 1937.] 

